Shamrock Pub Owner Michael T. Gunning Receives Encouragement Instead of Reprimand from Selectmen-October 6, 1982

Barkeeper Michael T. Gunning lined up an array of glittering sports trophies across the table inside the selectmen’s chamber last night. The awards were brought as tangible evidence that upstanding, community-minded citizens frequent the Shamrock Pub, located at 175–179 Railroad Avenue.

Gunning had been summoned before the Board of Selectmen to address recent police incident reports concerning altercations near the establishment formerly known as The Depot Cafe.

Police Incidents and Bar Management

Police Chief George J. DiBlasi brought forward concerns regarding neighborhood rowdiness, highlighting a recent fistfight that originated inside the bar and spilled out into the street. Additionally, DiBlasi reported an incident where two individuals arrested in the parking lot adjacent to the Shamrock were charged with violating the town’s public drinking bylaw while in possession of bottles originating from the pub.

Despite the police reports, the Board of Selectmen proved remarkably sympathetic, offering Gunning a supportive pep talk rather than formal disciplinary action.

• Selectman John F. Kinnaly commended Gunning’s work ethic, stating he believed Gunning was “trying hard.”
• Selectman Joseph F. Curran acknowledged the difficulty of the location, telling Gunning, “You took over a tough spot. You’re doing a pretty good job.”
• Selectman Thomas A. Riolo noted visible improvements in the establishment, observing that employees from the nearby Polaroid Corp. plant frequently stop by the Shamrock for meals.

Gunning noted that the pub maintains an early 11:30 p.m. closing time. His wife, Mary, pointed out that Monday marked their one-year anniversary operating the Railroad Avenue location, adding to their local portfolio which also includes the Walpole Pub in Walpole center. Addressing the outside incidents, Shamrock bartender Joseph Curran asked the board, “How far can we go” in controlling patron behavior beyond the front door? Selectmen advised Gunning to immediately contact the police department whenever disturbances arise, assuring him that frequent calls would not be held against his license.

Selectmen Deny Video Game License for George’s Place

In other municipal business, the board voted 3–2 to reject a license request for a video game installation at George’s Place, a South Norwood cafe located at 1137 Washington Street.

While the board has traditionally displayed tolerance toward electronic amusement machines in adult establishments, debate erupted over the applicant’s description of the game as being for “adults only.” Selectman Kinnaly and Selectman Riolo argued in favor of granting the license, asserting the board should not unfairly discriminate against a local bar after approving similar devices elsewhere. Kinnaly suggested the wording merely reflected the cafe’s primarily adult clientele.

However, Selectman Walter J. Dempsey strongly objected to the “adults only” phrasing. Town Manager John J. Carroll advised the board to seek clarification directly from the South Norwood cafe management before voting, but the majority of selectmen proceeded with the denial, leaving the applicant to explain upon learning of the rejection.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger